About

The Department of Chemistry fosters the development and understanding of the concepts, fundamental principles and strategies that are central to chemical, physical, and biological sciences. Coursework revolves around laboratory experience and undergraduate research, where students interface with faculty in practicing those strategies, problem-solving and unraveling complex problems. Curriculum is certified through the American Chemical Society (ACS) and provides national-level recognition for students' work. The program initially emphasizes the functional aspects of chemistry and finishes with advanced courses and independent research. In addition, the program couples a sound foundation in theory and "hands-on" experience with modern chemical instrumentation.

The Mercer chemistry program is also certified by the ACS, allowing the University to offer an ACS-certified degree in chemistry that serves as a national-level recognition for successfully completing a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum.

About the Minor

A minor in Chemistry consists of General Chemistry I and II and at least seven additional credit hours in Chemistry courses numbered above 200; or Advanced General Chemistry and at least 10 additional credit hours in Chemistry courses numbered above 200. No more than one credit hour of Chemical Research may be counted toward the minor requirement.

Secondary Teacher Certification Program

Teacher certification in Chemistry (grades 6-12) is available to Chemistry majors. Students planning to teach chemistry in secondary schools should notify their advisor and contact the secondary education advisor in Tift College of Education.

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors in Chemistry may be attained by fulfilling the following requirements:

Select an honors faculty advisor in Chemistry by the end of the semester in which one accumulates 96 semester credit hours and keep this advisor informed of progress toward satisfying the honors requirements

Complete the bachelor of science major in Chemistry with a grade point average of 3.50 or above in the major

Complete at least four semester credit hours of chemical research with a grade point average of 3.0 or above

Write a paper of publishable quality on an approved topic of Chemistry, using the format of the Journal of the American Chemical Society

Outreach and Engaged Learning

The Chemistry Department supports an active and award-winning American Chemical Society Student Affiliates chapter. This Mercer student group hosts a series of on-campus activities during National Chemistry Week. The chapter also takes chemistry demonstrations to local elementary schools as an outreach project throughout the year.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Students with an interest in chemistry are encouraged to pursue independent research guided by a committed faculty member. The Problems in Chemistry program offers a two-semester laboratory capstone experience, featuring a set of experimental projects designed to integrate concepts and techniques from the major divisions of chemistry, presenting chemistry as a unified science.

In the Classroom

The Department of Chemistry is led by a group of dedicated, experienced faculty members, all of whom hold doctorates. These faculty members are experts in

Analytical

Bio-organic

Environmental

Inorganic

Organic

Physical

Biochemistry

All chose to be at Mercer because they enjoy the opportunity of assisting students in their discovery of chemistry in the classroom and laboratory.

Beyond Mercer

Chemistry continues to be a hot career path, as well as the foundation for other careers. Mercer students have gone on to graduate schools all over the country and many go on to medical school each year. There has been an increase of Chemistry majors going into a career in Pharmacy over the past five years. A degree in Chemistry is particularly beneficial for law students interested in biotechnology and patent issues. More and more Chemistry teachers are needed at the secondary level.